NEW JERSEY – New Jersey is among the three states most severely affected by a rare inflammatory syndrome diagnosed in children battling coronavirus, according to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.
The disease, known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), has been diagnosed in at least 31 children in New Jersey.
Children with the syndrome have symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease, another rare childhood condition that can cause swelling and heart problems. Other symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, bloodshot eyes or feeling extra tired.
The disease can also cause problems for cardiovascular systems and inflammation of the muscles of the heart, such as what is known as “strawberry tongue”, a swollen, bumpy tongue.
According to the CDC report, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts saw more than 31 cases of MIS-C between March and July. Illinois and Pennsylvania, Louisiana and California each reported 21 to 30 cases of the inflammatory disease in children.
Three children in New Jersey have died from coronavirus complications, all involving children aged 4 years and younger. But it was not immediately clear if they were linked to MIS-C. Read more: Coronavirus In NJ children: new data on cases, deaths released
The reports echo the latest public health data in New Jersey showing that nearly 6,000 people 18 and under have been diagnosed with COVID-19, making up to 3 percent of the state’s confirmed cases to date. out. Of these, 1,021 were 4 years old and younger.
Just last week, New Jersey officials announced that they were investigating the death of a 7-month-old baby who had tested positive for the coronavirus. Read more: Coronavirus could cause death of New Jersey children: Officials
Gov. Phil Murphy announced 329 new coronavirus cases and four more dead on Sunday. Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopening Updates: Here’s What You Need To Know
Nationally, 570 children have been diagnosed with MIS-C. Ten of those children died and 364 were admitted to the ICU.
Treatments include medications such as steroids and intravenous immunoglobin. “These medications reduce the body’s excessive response, reduce fever and inflammation and allow heart function to return to normal,” according to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The CDC data released this week shows the most common underlying condition among those diagnosed with the disease is obesity. Approximately 150 patients diagnosed with MIS-C were obese, the CDC said. And more than 8 percent of patients had some form of chronic lung disease.
More information about the characteristics of the patients can be viewed here.
Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health, said the state has reached out to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for guidance.
Lifshitz asked parents to “be aware of this, you need to pay attention here if you suspect symptoms.”
He said people should refer to medical experts, doctors and hospitals if they detect the disease, because “this is something that can potentially be treated.”
The state Department of Health also shared additional guidance:
When should I call my child’s doctor or seek emergency help?
- You should call your child’s doctor immediately if your child becomes ill and has a constant fever. Your doctor will ask about any signs or symptoms your child has and use that information to recommend next steps. If your child is seriously ill, you should go to the nearest room or call 911 immediately.
Is MIS-C contagious?
- MIS-C is only contagious. However, it is possible that your child has another underlying infection that may be contagious. Until more is known about this condition, hospitals treating children with MIS-C take the same precautionary measures as for patients with COVID-19.
Diagnosis
- If a health insurer thinks a child may have this syndrome, the child should be tested for the virus that causes COVID-19. This would include a diagnostic test to see if the child is currently infected with the virus. They should also receive a serological test to see if the child has antibodies to the virus, which would indicate that they have been exposed to the virus in the past or are potentially infected.
Treatment
- There is no specific treatment for this syndrome. The child health care provider should treat the symptoms as appropriate. Early treatment of patients suspected of having MIS-C may include treatment with immunoglobulin given through a vein (also called IV, as internally) and steroids. These drugs help reduce the body’s immune response that causes the inflammatory syndrome. Children also receive other medications to protect their heart, kidneys and other organs.
Prevention
- Taking steps to prevent your child from being exposed to COVID-19 is important. Physical distance from others, use of face masks, and practicing good hand hygiene are the best ways to prevent COVID-19.
